Prepare and adapt: drive safely this winter

The temperature is dropping and snow has started to fall across Nova Scotia. Winter brings many seasonal joys but excellent driving conditions is not one of them.

“Many people don’t like winter driving,” says Cst. Chad Morrison of the Nova Scotia RCMP. “However, you can improve your safety and confidence on the road by preparing your vehicle and adjusting your driving to reflect the current conditions.”

Rough weather can be stressful for drivers but the following tips can make it more tolerable:

Prepare your vehicle

· Book your winter tire appointment (if you haven’t already). Winter tires in good condition grip the road and displace slush and snow. All-weather tires are different and do not offer the same benefits.

· Test your lights and signals to ensure they’re working properly.

· Ensure your car has a good amount of antifreeze and gas.

· Before heading out, allow your vehicle to defrost and defog then clean all snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, lights, hood, roof, sensors and cameras. Built up snow can obstruct your view and blow onto other vehicles.

Adjust your driving

· Check weather and road conditions before heading out and adjust your travel and arrival time accordingly. You can find information on road conditions at the Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal websitehttps://511.novascotia.ca/en/index.html.

· Slow down. We all know that snow, ice and freezing rain make roads slippery so it’s important to drive with that in mind.

Nova Scotia RCMP will be sharing more winter driving advice throughout the months of November and December. Follow @RCMPNS on Twitter and Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Nova Scotia on Facebook for tips.